Max Verstappen and Red Bull RB19 Edge into the Record Books: A Legacy Tied with Legendary Mercedes W11

Max Verstappen's Brazilian GP win ties the RB19 with the W11 as F1's most victorious car amidst a chaotic race.

Max Verstappen's win at the Brazilian Grand Prix elevates the RB19 to match the Mercedes W11 for the most F1 wins, considering both sprints and standard races. The race's tumultuous conditions, including numerous DNFs, underscored Verstappen's commanding skill in securing the historic victory.

Key Takeaways:

• Record-Equalling Performance: Max Verstappen's victory in the Brazilian GP brings the Red Bull RB19 to a historic level, matching the Mercedes W11 as the most successful F1 car in terms of race wins, counting both standard races and sprints.
• Triumph Amidst Adversity: The race was marked by multiple DNFs and a dramatic reshuffle of positions, showcasing Verstappen's skillful navigation to victory amidst the chaos, with Norris and Alonso joining him on the podium.
• A Contested Legacy: While the RB19 ties the W11 on paper, the count includes sprint wins, leaving some to debate the comparison with the W11's Grand Prix wins over two seasons. The RB19's ultimate place in F1 history remains a subject for discussion.

As the dust settles on the Brazilian Grand Prix, the annals of Formula 1 history turn their pages to welcome a new chapter, one where Max Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing RB19 etch their names alongside one of the sport’s most dominant machines, the Mercedes W11. 

Verstappen’s masterclass win at Interlagos not only added to his illustrious tally of victories but also elevated the RB19 to the pinnacle of success - tying with the W11 for the most wins secured by an F1 car.

A Triumph of Strategy and Skill

The Brazilian GP unfurled a tapestry of drama and chaos, with a DNF-filled race that reshuffled the deck of potential podium finishers. Verstappen, unwavering in the face of adversity, showcased his champion's resolve, expertly steering his RB19 to victory. 

It was a performance that exuded the finesse and control that has become the Dutchman’s hallmark. Alongside Verstappen, Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso found their way to the podium, delivering performances that underlined their own growing legacies in the sport.

A Record Within Reach, A Legacy in Question

While the celebration is richly deserved, it carries with it a footnote of technicality. The RB19's race win-tally, when accounting for sprint victories, now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the Mercedes W11. However, purists and statisticians alike may point out that without these sprint accolades, the RB19 still trails behind the traditional race win count held by the W11 and the historic Lotus 72.

It must be said however, that the W11’s dominance spanned across two seasons - initially under its own moniker in 2020, then under the guise of the "W12" in 2021, a nomenclature distinction that belied the car’s true lineage. The W11’s conquest was not bound by a single season.

The Tally That Tells Two Tales

The RB19's position in this pantheon of greatness is a complex one. With 18 Grand Prix wins and 5 sprints contributing to its record-equalling run, the debate simmers about the purity of its accomplishments in comparison to the W11's 22 Grand Prix wins. Yet, what cannot be debated is the RB19’s remarkable performance and the undeniable skill of its lead driver, Max Verstappen.

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Interlagos proved a punishing ground for many, with Charles Leclerc's pre-start crash setting a sombre tone for the race. The later crash at turn 1 culled the ranks further, as Albon and Magnussen's clash led to retirements that peppered the track with debris and prompted a red flag. The pauses in racing saw teams scrambling to mend their battered machinery, an endeavour that for some, like Albon and Magnussen, was in vain.

The litany of further retirements, marked notably by overheating issues claiming the likes of Zhou Guanyu, Valtteri Bottas, and George Russell, made this a difficult day for many.